EHT man gets plea deadline in girlfriend’s killing

An Egg Harbor Township man accused of fatally beating his girlfriend with a hammer has three weeks to take a deal or go to trial.
Lashaun Smith, 37, is charged with murder in the killing of 28-year-old Sarah Phillips on Nov. 3, 2016, in the Zion Road home they shared with their four young children.
In a confession previously played in court, Smith said he told Phillips he was sorry and he loved her before attacking her in the bed they shared.

EHT man’s confession in girlfriend’s killing can be played at trial – BreakingAC

The confession a man gave police hours after he said he fatally beat his girlfriend can be played at his trial, a judge has ruled. Lashaun Smith, 37, is charged with murder in the killing of 28-year-old Sarah Phillips on Nov. 3, inside the Zion Road home they shared with their four young children. … Read more

After the attack, he slashed his own arms, then called 911. He later told detectives he went outside to wait so his children wouldn’t be involved.
He said he “wanted to take us both out.”
First Assistant Prosecutor Cary Shill told the judge that Smith’s attorney, Stephen Funk, had made the state a plea offer. He did not say what the offer was but asked for three weeks to decide or counter it.
Judge Bernard DeLury set Nov. 29 as the date for a plea agreement to be reached or he will set trial, likely for mid- to late-January.
Smith remains in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.